SUV, pickup sales feel affects of gas crunch

The rise in the price of oil and gas has had mixed effects on the sales of full-size pickups and sport utility vehicles, according to Clovis and Portales dealerships.

“With the rise in gas prices we’ve seen an increased interest in fuel efficient cars and pickups with smaller engines,” said Shawn Hamilton, owner of Big Country Ford in Clovis and Hamilton GM Country in Portales.

“The sales market in this area has been predominately SUVs and trucks,”